Intro to Obstacles

So why not just go? Why not just do it? There are a couple of main obstacles. First, there are financial concerns. Secondly, family.

Chris and I had opposite experiences paying for college. While he was able to walk away debt free thanks to the "parent plan," I have educational debt from my undergraduate degree. It's kind of like I bought a Lincoln car, but don't actually have one. Though I could refinance, I have to budget at least $500 each month for repayment. Although I could get a reasonable salary considering the cost of living many places, this is a significant burden to cover each month in US Dollars.

James flies to visit grandparents at 14 months

Another financial concern of ours is that many places we are attracted to have a high cost of living. While we may have been able to save by getting by with a studio or one bedroom in less desirable neighborhoods in our early 20's, we'll have to be pickier with a family of four with young children.

Another family of four cost to consider is the price of flying. We would plan on coming home once a year to see family and friends. While many airlines let you fly with an infant in arms until babies reach 2-years old, my experience with my big guy at six months was that he spilled into the passengers next to me. When we flew again at 14 months, he got his own seat at it was worth it! With two adults and two little ones, we figure we'll have to spring for at least 3 seats, if not four as the babies grow. Depending where we end up in the world, that could be a considerable expense, especially if we're flying over holidays.

And it should go without saying that it is hard enough for us to be away from friends and family, but it will be especially hard for the little ones and grandparents. On the other hand, our families and friends are spread out across the country (and beyond) so there is some amount we would have to budget for even if we did stay within the country.